DRUG DESCRIPTION

The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids
used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. The steroids in this class
include triamcinolone acetonide. Triamcinolone acetonide is designated chemically
as 9-fluoro-11β, 16α, 17, 21-tetrahydroxypregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione
cyclic 16, 17-acetal with acetone. The structural formula is:

C24H31FO6 MW 434.50

A two-second application, which covers an area approximately the size of the hand, delivers an amount of triamcinolone acetonide not exceeding 0.2 mg. After spraying, the nonvolatile vehicle remaining on the skin contains approximately 0.2% triamcinolone acetonide. Each gram of spray provides 0.147 mg triamcinolone acetonide in a vehicle of isopropyl palmitate, dehydrated alcohol (10.3%), and isobutane propellant.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/15/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.